HELLO EVERYBODY, LONG TIME NO SEE. so, I am very behind on this for good reason though, I swear. XD I recently moved (back) to the States below and have had quite the hectic time. Experienced 90 degree weather for the first time in my life, and let me ask this to any reader who lives in hot areas.

How?

It didn't help that this chapter was one of the trickier ones to write, especially keeping everyone in character. Regardless, we are getting to the super fun stuff now and the part I have been looking forward to since the start!

So, let me not keep everyone waiting. Try Again is BACK! :D

(SIDE NOTE, THIS IS OFFICIALLY CH27, I MADE A SMALL WHOOPSIE LAST CHAPTER.) XD

Chapter 27: Zombie

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Axl grunted as Tragers foot collided with his stomach, causing him to writhe on the floor in pain as his stomach contorted from the impact. Too caught up in it, he didn't defend the Dragon Claw that struck him on the head and made him black out for a moment.

They had returned to the cell he had been stuck in earlier with Erin, although this time Trager replaced Gurbo as his guard. The draconic Pokémon's eyes weren't lit in the golden hue from earlier, but even his unpowered attacks were causing tremendous pain to the otter.

Trager had shaken his head in disgust. "I don't get you, Axl. Someone as smart as you should clearly see this is a losing battle. What do you think will happen when Thorn gets his tail around the neck of your pretty little friend?" He asked calmly, a complete contradiction to his actions.

Axl grinned, blood staining his teeth from the accumulated damage he had taken. "What do you think is going to happen when Thorn finds out you broke his number one rule?" He returned with a chuckle that turned to a small groan once Trager sliced him again. "Dude, you really need a therapist."

A small inhale through the nose let Axl know that Trager's rage was still building. Inwardly, he knew he was screwed. His body was weaker than it had been in years with every movement feeling like his body was going to fall apart. The taste of blood and dirt was making him nauseous.

Still, he couldn't help but think about everyone else. Truthfully, he hoped Guildmaster Finnegan would make Erin stay behind. She was too inexperienced, a fight with three Hazaranmon more powerful than him would kill her. Hell, even Gurbo had decent power radiating off of him.

He assumed that Nero, Sergei and Ceren would still be with Guildmaster Finnegan. Even with Nero unable to battle, Axl had to begrudgingly admit Sergei was more powerful than him. He could easily dispatch Max or Trager, especially with the latter heavily injured from the earlier battle.

Besides, even with Liza unable to battle, Peridot City had some powerful fighters in their own right as well. Bendy was pretty powerful and had pushed Axl to exhaustion in practice bouts, he could certainly take out a weakened Trager.

Another kick to the gut dissipated the thoughts in Axl's head and he laid on his side, blood slowly trickling out of his mouth. His vision was becoming blurry, and he realized he was about to lose consciousness…or even worse.

Trager seemed to be satisfied with Axl's physical state and calmly sat down on the far side of the cell. His demeanor became as calm as his voice as he sat with his arm resting on his knee, one leg outstretched.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts. "My mother was from Hisui Bay as well, according to my fath-" He cut himself off, as though recalling his earlier actions. His voice was softer now, almost as if realizing he needed Axl for information. "Tell me, did you know a Haxorus named Judy?"

Axl dully stared at Trager, trying to make him out through his dimming vision. "We were separated by species, more naturally powerful ones like Haxorus were kept on the Western Side. My meek little species were kept on the Northern coast." He said weakly.

Disappointment spread on Trager's face. "I do apologize for the hell you must've endured. The reason I stayed as long as I did in my position as Vice President was to one day have the power to put an end to Hisui Bay." He said, sounding genuinely sorry. "At least your father's sentence was ended in your lifetime."

Axl harshly laughed. "My mom was the one that had the sentence. My dad…well, I suppose he was whatever guard was feeling frisky that day." He said darkly, causing Trager's eyes to darken. "Besides, our sentence never technically ended. We broke out of there a long time ago."

Trager's eyes flew open. "That's impossible!" He shouted in surprise, his brain racking. "According to reports my father received, the only Hazaranmon ever recorded escaping that place was-"

"Guerra?"

A silence spread across the two as Trager was having trouble formulating the information he was processing. He started to breathe heavy as a vein was protruding on his head, complete anxiety taking him over. Visible sweat had even start to form on his head.

Axl was perplexed at this reaction. "Uh, did I say too much?" He joked, trying to break the tension.

Trager shook his head. "I cannot believe you have ties to the 'War Machine'." He said in disbelief, almost as if he was afraid Guerra would appear from the shadows.

Axl suddenly felt intrigued. "Is Guerra that well known?" He asked, feeling a little betrayed. While he never regretted the life he had with Frankie, he could never help but feel a little stung that his savior never returned like he said he would.

Trager crossed his arms, raising a brow. "Do you even have the slightest idea what kind of Pokemon your savior is?" He asked, sounding surprised.

Axl sat up a little, becoming interested. "Apparently not as much as I should." He murmured sheepishly. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. "He's doing fine, then?"

Trager rolled his eyes. "Yeah, he's 'fine," all right." He replied sarcastically, placing his hand over his face as though he was struggling to find a place to begin. "Among every criminal in this region that has a bounty out for them, Guerra is considered amongst the most dangerous. He's a level of threat that even the likes of Scourge and Thorn may ever reach. Not just for his power, but for the militia he is leading. I'm sure you're aware of Pearl Plateau?"

Axl nodded. "The giant city where the government headquarters is, yeah?"

Trager was squinting in memory now. "Correct. Currently his resistance is controlling a portion of that land with an iron grip, even the top dogs own personal security is having immense difficulty with him." He continued. "He has killed many to achieve his own goal: their intervention to shut down Hisui Bay."

Axl took a breath, glancing back down as he took in this information. "I'm surprised the old man never told me about it." He muttered.

Trager shrugged. "It's not supposed to be public knowledge, it would distill a lot of confidence if it was found out the government was losing land and lives to a militia group. Not to mention the panic that would spread…"

Axl sighed, still stuck on his back. His arm currently felt like it was on fire and his body screamed in pain from the collective damage he had taken. Groaning, he rolled to his knees, trying his hardest to get back up.

However, his bad arm cracked loudly and he fell back down with a dull thud. Trager shook his head in pity at Axl.

He got back up but stood facing towards the cell door, wiping his forehead. "It's going to be over soon, Axl. I don't know why you refuse to accept our help. Don't you understand we are doing this for you as well?"

Axl managed to sit up, glaring at him. "What happened to you? What did Pokémon do to you that was so terrible to drive you to this?" He asked, breathing raggedly as his chest started to erupt in pain.

Trager kept his eyes averted from Axl, remaining silent for a very long time. Something flashed through his eyes and for a moment Axl was expecting a terrible secret.

However, he was unprepared for Trager's response. "Nothing." He said simply, turning toward Axl so his mark was on display. As it lit up, his red eyes glowed a bright golden once more. "However, I was chosen by fate with this great power to avenge my race and deliver judgment to all Pokémon!"

Axl felt something snap in him and he forgot all about his pain to get up to stand square to Trager. Trager gave a low growl and turned, but hesitated when he saw the dull light that barely kept the otter together.

Axl looked like a zombie.

However, this didn't stop him from unhooking his scalchop and getting ready to fight once more. "This 'hatred' you've been whining about this entire time, all this preaching and your father's murder was over…nothing?" He was pissed now as the light blue aura of a Razor Shell wisped into action. A harsh smile was plastered on his face. "This is why you will lose, Trager. You are completely empty inside, your hatred stems through scary stories instead of experience. You really are pathetic."

Trager sighed, letting the aura of his Dragon Claw attack come out. His golden gaze seemed very confident. "Hmph, you will never learn, will you, Axl? I believe the score is 1-1 at the moment, no? Let's settle this once and for all, then."

With this snarl, he leapt at Axl, and the two attacks collided with one another, sending gusts of wind in opposite directions as the two refused to yield to one another…

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The two guildmasters and other Pokémon had remained silent as they made their way through a more heavily wooded area. The large tower was in view even in the night and Erin felt herself wanting to run ahead in order to get there faster. However, she restrained herself to keep pace with the others.

The sky was dark now and the dead trees around them loomed ominously, almost as though they were claws reaching for the sky.

She took a glance at the other three around her and couldn't help but admire the same stoic expression on each of their faces, not showing the slightest hint of apprehension or fear. Even Ceren had his claws twitching in anticipation. It helped ease the small knot in her chest knowing she was about to be in the fight of her life.

Suddenly, Guildmaster Finnegan held out a hand to stop the three of them. As they did, two figures approached from behind the trees, causing Erin to brace herself. Even in the dark, she was able to make out the figures she had seen just earlier.

It was Max and Gurbo.

The Ninetails looked relaxed as he eyed down the group of Pokémon, stalking out from his spot and sitting back on his haunches as he sat next to Gurbo. "Sup?" He asked nonchalantly.

Guildmaster Finnegan stepped forward. "I'm guessin' ye de one who pu' my depu'y in de hospi'al?" His voice sounded just as calm but had tints of ice so cold that even Erin felt nervous.

Max chuckled. "You seem to be losing a lot of those lately." He retorted with yawn. "I'd hate to be the one to be named to that cursed spot next."

Erin wanted to step in but remained back until Guildmaster Finnegan gave her an order. Ceren also stared at Nero restlessly, seemingly ready to knock the smug look off of Max's face.

Gurbo was comedically holding his dukes up as he made out Erin. "You and Axl made me look stupid; I'm going to give you the clobbering of a lifetime!" He shouted, his eyes with rage.

Ceren sweat dropped. "You say it as though they did something unbelievable." He said sarcastically, flicking his ear uneasily as he realized a battle was about to unfurl.

Before Gurbo could retort, Max stuck a tail on his head to silence him. His amber eyes met Erin's for a moment, and he shook his head.

He shifted his gaze back to her Guildmaster. "Thorn instructed us to let only you go to the tower." He said, curling his lip. "We'll show the rest of you the way out."

Nero took a step. "I'll be going with Filip to make sure my son is okay." He said stiffly, cracking his knuckles to emphasize his point. Erin and Ceren both stared at him in shock. Was he really going to be the first to fight?

Nero took a couple steps forward, causing Max and Gurbo to take a slight defensive stance. Nero started preparing a fist, a dark red aura encasing it. The ground itself was shaking a bit as energy built up, and Erin had to brace herself from the vibrations.

Is this the power of a Guildmaster?

Before another move could be made, a large cracking sound echoed throughout the hollow forest and the powerful aura Nero was holding vanished. Everyone remained silent for an awkward moment as Nero remained still.

Nero had a sweat drop on his head. "Ah, shit." He muttered, his legs shaking slightly.

Ceren looked exasperated. "Did you overdo it, sir?" He asked, sounding worried. "Can you move?!"

Max and Gurbo shared a glance, unsure of how to react to the Guildmaster that was currently stuck. He tried to step back but hunched over in pain as he did.

He gave a downcast look to the other three, more sweat forming on his head. "Er…I appear to be stuck…" He said sheepishly.

Guildmaster Finnegan narrowed his eyes in embarrassment. "Oh boy." He said gruffly.

Ceren facepalmed at his Guildmaster. "Sir, we've been over this so many times." He said weakly, padding up to his Guildmaster to put his back back in place.

Erin was less forgiving. "THEN WHY DID YOU ATTACK?" She yelled comedically at him.

"OCTAZOOKA!"

The three glanced at Gurbo, who was charging a black ball of ink from his mouth, using his tentacles to keep the power in control. Erin gasped as Ceren had his back turned to the other two, not showing he knew the attack was being directed at him.

Erin made a move to jump in. "That's dirty-"She started before Guildmaster Finnegan held out a hand to stop her.

Gurbo finished charging his attack and fired it at Ceren, who's ear flicked at the sound. Twisting his body around to meet the attack head on. He slashed upwards at the orb, causing it to explode before it could cause any damage to him or his Guildmaster. Judging from the impact of the winds that gusted in the aftershock, Erin knew that it wasn't exactly a weak attack from Gurbo either.

He gave his Guildmaster a glance. "Sir, please maybe save your back until we need you. These two aren't worthy of a Guildmaster fighting them."

Guildmaster Finnegan smirked. "No' bad, lad." He praised him, causing Ceren's to blush in embarrassment a little.

Erin stared impressively at him. "That was incredible!" She shouted, making his face go even redder in modesty.

He scratched the back of his sheepishly. "Pfft…it wasn't half bad." He replied, glancing away and going back to his Guildmaster. With a quick bear hug and another loud crack, Nero was back on his feet. The Guildmaster twisted his torso tenderly to get the feeling back in his body.

Max had remained unmoving during the entirety. "You're pretty strong for a no name." He didn't sound worried in the slightest but earning Ceren's full attention. "Don't think that gallant act means we are going to let the senior citizen through as well."

Ceren grinned at him, extending both his claws to their fullest in order to show their sharpness. "Wanna test my gallantry, tough guy?" He asked, meeting Max's stare and locking there for a moment. "I'm the apprentice of Norton Black and the partner of Axl Ingrassio, two of the finest guild members Amethyst City has ever seen. I'll show you what training with those two everyday has turned me into."

Erin caught Nero giving Ceren a look of absolute pride and wondered for a moment if this was the same nervous Sandslash Axl had mentioned. Perhaps it was just the prospect of saving his dear friend, but Erin felt a lot better knowing he was on her side.

Gurbo looked even angrier, smacking his tentacles on the ground in annoyance. "You think this is a game, fools!?" He yelled, his voice becoming higher pitched. "You will not pass!"

Guildmaster Finnegan seemed to have reached the end of his patience. "Enough of dis…" He muttered before disappearing before everyone's eyes.

Erin was bewildered for a moment until Guildmaster Finnegan reappeared right in between Gurbo and Max, two clawed hands at each of their throats. Bloodlust radiated off of him and Erin felt too paralyzed in fear to even move. It was almost as if the aura that came off of him silenced even the moonlight itself, with the only source of sight being the menacing glare he gave each of his victims.

She clearly wasn't alone in her fears as both Pokémon had looks of fear plastered on their faces, knowing the slightest movement from either of them would spell their end. Max gulped in this fear, and Guildmaster Finnegans claws inched closer, drawing blood from his throat.

Guildmaster Finnegan didn't remove his eyes from the towers. "I'll give ye a couple options…ye can figh' dem behind us and le' him come, or I can rip ye necks open now and save dem de 'rouble." His voice was deeper and almost craved for them to choose the second option. Gurbo was too paralyzed to breath, so the Guildmaster shifted his gaze to Max.

The Ninetails had activated his mark in reflex but made no retaliation as visible sweat was on his face. "It's your funeral." He growled, not able to look at him.

Satisfied, Guildmaster Finnegan released their throats and seemingly the aura that had engulfed them. Erin swore she had to blink to readjust her eyes to the light.

Guildmaster Finnegan turned back to her. "Erin, ye go' a new mission, lass. Bea' de shi' ou' of them and hurry back 'o us."

Blinking in surprise, she quickly nodded. "Y-yes, sir!" She yelped, a little taken aback by his faith.

Nero turned to Ceren. "You're the experienced one now, son. You better not let anything happen to her." He told him, smiling in confidence.

Ceren seemed just as surprised as Erin, but quickly looked pumped at the idea of fighting with her. He didn't say anything but nodded as well, readying his claws.

Guildmaster Finnegan gave the Sandslash a proud look. "No' a lil scaredy-ca' anymore, eh?" He teased before turning his back on them to walk past the other two. He waved his hand in a farewell. "We'll see ye a' de 'ower, then."

Nero gave Ceren a warm look before turning and walking right by Max and Gurbo without even giving them another look. Max sneered his lip as they passed before turning his gaze on Erin and Ceren. For a moment he stayed annoyed before chuckling.

"Hmph…fine, then. You were nothing just earlier, having another weakling join you won't change things." He said, his golden gaze returning to their beautiful amber. "Your journey ends here, tonight."

Ceren stepped in front of Erin, looking back at her. "I'm happy Axl found you." He said suddenly, catching her a little off guard. "I don't deserve to be forgiven after everything I've said to him. At the very least, let's get you to the tower to save him. But first, let's teach these two a lesson!"

Erin stepped from behind him, not feeling the need to hide. She got into a stance ready for battle. "Let's do it!" She shouted, blood pumping through her veins once more. Her earlier weariness was gone now as new energy soared into her body.

Gurbo had forgotten his earlier fear, having his arms crossed. "Time to play, eh?" He squealed, standing next to Max with an angry look on his face.

Max let out an amused huff of air from his nose. "It would appear so…"

Battle Begins: Erin and Ceren vs Max and Gurbo…